EAST LANSING — Free Press sports writer Chris Solari breaks down the 2017-18 Michigan State basketball roster. The No. 2-ranked Spartans open their season Friday at home against North Florida (8 p.m./Big Ten Network):

SF Miles Bridges

Class: Sophomore

Height: 6-7

Weight: 225

2016-17 stats: 16.9 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 2.1 apg, 48.6% FG

Notes: The Big Ten’s reigning Freshman of the Year and preseason conference and national player of the year by a number of publications returns for his second season to chase a national title. Bridges will move from power forward to the wing this year, hoping to show his versatility in attacking the basket off the dribble for highlight-reel dunks while enhancing his three-point presence after making 38.9% a year ago from deep. He also is an adept passer, though coach Tom Izzo wants Bridges to be a more selfish superstar while maintaining his humility.

PF/C Nick Ward

Class: Sophomore

Height: 6-8

Weight: 245

2016-17 stats: 13.9 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 59.2% FG

Notes: With injuries shrinking MSU’s size on the court and depth on the bench, the honorable mention All-Big Ten selection made a major impact in his debut. Ward led the Spartans with 54 blocks and finished second all-time to Magic Johnson among MSU freshmen in scoring with 485 points while playing in all 35 games. Defending and staying out of foul trouble was an issue, but the Spartans’ increased depth and size will allow him to play more physical this winter.

PF Jaren Jackson Jr.

Class: Freshman

Height: 6-11

Weight: 242

Prep stats: 15 ppg, 10 rpg for La Lumiere Prep as a senior

Notes: The McDonald’s All-American owns a 7-foot-4 wingspan and showed his shot-blocking and rebounding ability during exhibition play. Jackson also possesses three-point shooting ability to give Izzo a first-year true stretch-4 similar to Adreian Payne as a senior. Adjusting to the physical nature of the college game, defending at a high level — especially on high ball screens — and not falling in love with the deep shot are key to him living up to his preseason Big Ten newcomer of the year accolades and remaining in the starting group.

SG Joshua Langford

Class: Sophomore

Height: 6-5

Weight: 210

2016-17 stats: 6.9 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 49.7% FG

Notes: A hamstring injury limited Langford early, and the trickle-down from size issues in the post forced him to play the wing. Shifting back to his natural shooting guard spot should enhance him as a three-point threat — he led MSU at 41.9% last year — and allow him to create his lethal midrange game off the dribble and high screens.

PG Cassius Winston

Class: Sophomore

Height: 6-0

Weight: 185

2016-17 stats: 6.7 ppg, 5.3 apg, 42.3% FG

Notes: Like Ward, defense was Winston’s frustration during his freshman year. However, he showed the ability to score in the half-court was the engine in transition for MSU with a 2.4 assist-to-turnover ratio and the second-most assists by a freshman (182) behind Magic Johnson. His continued defensive improvement and developing outside shooting touch.

PG Lourawls (Tum Tum) Nairn Jr.

Class: Senior

Height: 5-10

Weight: 175

2016-17 stats: 3.5 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 3.6 apg, 41.7% FG

Notes: A third-year captain, Nairn moves into more of a backseat on the court to Winston. However, the Spartans’ emotional leader remains vital off the bench as an aggressive defender at the point and a lightning-quick, north-and-south driving ability with the ball.

PF/C Gavin Schilling

Class: Senior

Height: 6-9

Weight: 245

2015-16 stats: 3.8 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 50% FG

Notes: Coming off a medical redshirt after a season-ending knee injury he suffered during preseason workouts, Schilling like Nairn is a defensive presence with starting experience. Izzo has called him his best post defender on high ball screens, and he is an aggressive rebounder when he stays out of foul trouble.

SG Matt McQuaid

Class: Junior

Height: 6-4

Weight: 200

2016-17 stats: 5.6 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 35.3% FG

Notes: The sharp-shooter struggled with his shot last season coming off double sports hernia surgery the summer before, but he is healthy again and back at his natural position after, like Langford, seeing time at small forward a year ago. A scrappy on-ball defender, he needs to show better touch than his 35% from three-point range last season.

PF Ben Carter

Class: Graduate senior

Height: 6-9

Weight: 235

2015-16 stats: 8.6 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 55.6% FG at UNLV

Notes: A second serious knee injury in nine months ended Carter’s arrival as a grad transfer last year. He’s still not 100%, but when healthy, Carter is a cerebral player and tough-nosed defender with an ability to shoot from distance and a deft passing touch for a big man.

SF Kenny Goins

Class: Redshirt junior

Height: 6-7

Weight: 230

2016-17 stats: 3.4 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 57.8% FG

Notes: Injuries to Schilling and Carter last year forced the former walk-on to play out of position at center, where he averaged a career-high 18.3 minutes while starting 14 games. At his best, he’s a face-up forward who has shown free-throw line range in the past and hopes to add three-point shooting to his repertoire. He’s a high-energy defender and rebounder in short bursts.

SF Kyle Ahrens

Class: Junior

Height: 6-6

Weight: 210

2016-17 stats: 2.6 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 53.8% FG

Notes: Ahrens injured his foot before preseason workouts, and it is likely he will take a redshirt and sit out this season. He was expected to be a key backup to Bridges on the wing and possesses three-point range and strength to get into the paint.

PF Xavier Tillman

Class: Freshman

Height: 6-8

Weight: 260

Prep stats: 13.9 ppg, 10.9 rpg, 5.2 apg at Grand Rapids Christian

Notes: Like Carter, Tillman sees the court and passes at a high level. Finding minutes in MSU’s crowded front-court will be difficult, but Tillman’s rebounding tenacity and basketball IQ could force Izzo to use him situationally.

SG Conner George

Class: Redshirt sophomore

Height: 6-3

Weight: 220

2016-17 stats: 0.6 ppg, 0.1 rpg in 10 games

Notes: Son of MSU volleyball coach Cathy George, he shows good three-point range in practice on the Spartans’ scout team, and the Okemos product is a fan favorite off the bench late in blowout wins. He received a scholarship after being a walk-on the past two years.

PF/C Braden Burke

Class: Sophomore

Height: 6-11

Weight: 235

2016-17 stats: 4.3 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 42.4% FG at Robert Morris

Notes: Will redshirt after transferring to MSU from Robert Morris, where he appeared in 32 games with seven starts as a true freshman. The Stevensville Lakeshore product will provide a big interior presence for the Spartans on their scout team to help them prepare for opponents.